Held in Kazimierz, the city's historical Jewish quarter, which is now a vibrant district full of art galleries, restaurants and cafes, the festival is a celebration of contemporary art, music and literature created in Israel and all around the world by the Jewish diaspora.
Since its modest beginnings in 1988, initiated by activists Janusz Makuch and Krzysztof Gierat as a local event, the festival has grown to become one of the most important events in the city and one of the best known, recognized and appreciated cultural events in Poland.
This year's festival began on Wednesday and focuses on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel, with many lectures and workshops about Jewish history and culture.
Every year, visitors have a chance to take part in jam sessions and klezmer and Hasidic music workshops. They can also learn to sing in Yiddish, prepare and taste Jewish dishes, attend lectures, take guided tours and visit art exhibitions.
The culminating point of the festival is the final concert "Shalom on Szeroka Street," which offers almost seven hours of live Jewish music in front of Poland's oldest synagogue, performed by musicians from across the world.
(ab/gs)
Click on the audio player above to listen to a report by Radio Poland's Agnieszka Bielawska.
